Description
A delicious baked ziti pasta dish with layers of marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta (or penne)
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in salted water and drain it well when slightly under al dente.
- For the ricotta layer: Combine ricotta, egg (if using), a handful of Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chopped basil or parsley if desired.
- Toss the pasta with enough marinara sauce to coat. If using cooked sausage or ground meat, mix it into the sauce.
- Place half the sauced pasta in the dish. Add half the ricotta mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta and ricotta mixture, topping generously with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- For a meat version, add cooked sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup